It’s an exercise, Concept cars are, but this one, the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept, is a study in the future of mobile networking, so it’s unlike the average concept. In years past concept cars were all about structural design, exotic materials, loony bin looks and outrageous power figures. More recently, concept cars have been about lower CO2 emissions and frugality.

Future cars, according to BMW ideology, will be following along, and expanding on, our current obsession with communication. Look no further than the ConnectedDrive HUD. HUD, or heads up display, has been around for a while, but BMWs system expands the idea to display “point of interest” icons along with road information. Sounds like a virtual iPad, this one placed in the field of vision of the driver. Sounds interesting, but the first thing that comes to mind, and I’m sure you’re thinking the same, is, what about safety? While BMW doesn’t exactly explain how that works they do mention that the system is fully configurable by the pilot, er, driver.

Speaking of safety, this and comfort are the other two areas of study with this concept. According to BMW, a light display bathes the vehicle in data regarding the status of each category.While BMW noted the design idealisms behind this exercise, actual information on how it works or what powers it was not, leaving much to speculation.

If you’re just looking at the ConnectedDrive Concept you could be forgiven for missing Mr. Chris Bangles work. Unfortunately, the cool, Knight Rider-esque glowing lights that travel around the panel gaps are not enough to save the car. Maybe it’s not that bad, well no, it is. From the profile it looks like a sperm whale, the seats are impossible, and fancy BMW asymmetry is best left to their motorcycle division.

BMW has a rich history of brilliant concept and actual cars, and obviously, their road cars are some of the most sought after in existence. They are keen on keeping their moniker “Ultimate Driving Machine” relevant, and if their brilliant current line-up and up-coming cars are any indication that shouldn’t be hard. As a design exercise, the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive sounds interesting, but there doesn’t appear to be much substance, outside of a strange shell. What powers the technology, what powers the car? This is about the ConnectedDrive, but if a realistic concept and infotainment technology are the goal, the Saab PhoeniX makes more of a case for it. The ConnectedDrive is interesting but it needs more substance to make any sense. Nice wheels though.

Looking over the 2014 Mini Rocketman concept, you get the feeling that BMW is going back to its roots, again. The Mini Cooper is growing in size. You almost can’t help but grin about it as this seems to be the case with every “small” car ever made. Perhaps it’s a function of the automakers trying to give you more for your money, I like to think so, but for whatever reason a return to form for the Mini was almost predictable.

No matter, what we have here is, again, a concept and with that tagline goes the obligatory weird doors and funky red eared tail lights that, when coupled with the exhaust, look like a rodent sticking its tongue out at you.

Perhaps you’ve never been a fan of the Beetle’s smiling grille but the Rocketman rear is a bit much, and even though Ian Robertson, BMW Groups marketing boss, says that the company has a tradition of bringing concept car magic to the showroom, most of the over the top elements would most likely be discarded.

The Mini has always had one thing in its stylistic pocket that other manufacturers would kill for and indeed, they spend a fortune on, and that’s machismo. Yes, the Mini, unlike a lot of the competition can be and is driven confidently by burly men, and women, everywhere, and the good news is that the Rocketman carries on with that tradition. From a mile away, you can see the Mini lineage and this is great for BMW and us.

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The engine for the Rocketman looks to be the new TwinPower Turbo three cylinder engine that BMW has been developing. This incorporates BMW’s decision to move forward in downsizing engines to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. Before the groaning starts however, it’s important to remember that this is the way all automakers are going. The thing is, BMW has a strangle hold on their “Ultimate Driving Machine” moniker, and they will be hanging onto it, even with a three cylinder, 94mpg engine… thank you very much.

So for all of its funky attitude, its concept glitz and dual gender appeal let’s hope the Rocketman does go into production. Unfortunately, the car will not be ready until 2014 and even then, word has it that it may not be available in the U.S. Of course, they said that about the cooper.